CONTENT STATEMENT
The processes of persuasion, compromise, consensus building, and negotiation contribute to the democratic process.
Content elaboration
The focus of this standard is on the group dynamics and interpersonal skills involved in decision making. This complements the focus of other content statements on the formal procedures and institutions of governing. The democratic process depends on these skills for effective functioning. These skills are studied and assessed within a real-world context as a collective, interdependent group as opposed to isolated techniques. For example, negotiation may involve persuasion and lead to compromise.
While these skills are presented in the abstract here, students examine them in the context of the rest of the course. No specialized or technical understanding of these terms is required; common definitions are sufficient for examining the contributions these skills make to the democratic process.
EXPECTATIONS FOR LEARNING
Explain how persuasion, compromise, consensus building, and negotiation help the democratic process and achieve agreement and settle differences in governing.